Why Art?

For me, there is no greater art than nature. I walk out of an art gallery exulting even more in the gardens and trees, and yet, I believe each of us needs to pour ourselves out into creation, what some might call art. I believe that allowing ourselves to pour forth is essential for our mental, physical, and spiritual health. It's what we do here on LJ.

Sadly, most of us were cut off from this pour by teachers who criticized each line we drew, and color and word we chose. I recently re-read Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig. The subject is quality. Many of my friends are wanting to bring themselves forth in art right now, but are halted by self-criticism and judgment. We've been raised to judge, taught to judge, and the judge can be harsh, and yet, art is respite, refuge, and healing for ourselves, and those who immerse in what we need and want to bring forth. Quality - we each have it - we each bring it forth.

Unfortunately I missed this exhibit on Alcatraz. This is a wonderful comment on art: